KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia -- Malaysia's former police chief said he hit Anwar Ibrahim in a fit of anger after the ousted deputy prime minister insulted him, and denied the assault was ordered by Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad.

Tan Sri Rahim Noor, describing the incident for the first time in his own words, said he slapped Datuk Seri Anwar twice on the night of Sept. 20 but couldn't recall if he continued hitting him. He said he didn't know he caused serious injuries -- a doctor last week testified the politician was lucky to...